Compact keyboard with entry of keyed and graphic information

• US 4,926,010 A
• Filed: 06/30/1989
• Issued: 05/15/1990
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Verizon Patent and Licensing Incorporated (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Original Assignee: NYNEX Corp. (Verizon Communications Inc.)
• Inventors: Citron, Howard M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Schreyer, Stafford D.
• Application Number:
  US07/374,255
• Time in Patent Office: 319 Days
• Field of Search: 178/18, 178/19, 178/20, 340/706, 340/709, 340/711, 340/716, 364/189, 364/190
• US Class Current: 178/18.07
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/021 Arrangements integrating additional peripherals in a keyboard, e.g. card or barcode reader, optical scanner
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0213 Arrangements providing an integrated pointing device in a keyboard, e.g. trackball, mini-joystick for pointing devices integrated in a laptop computer G06F1/169; joysticks G05G9/047; constructional details of pointing devices G06F3/033
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0219 Special purpose keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/046 by electromagnetic means

Abstract

A keyboard is adapted for entry of graphical information into a computer by providing the keyboard with an extended, two dimensional member situated in overlapping relationship with at least one of the keys of the keyboard and which is adapted to generate for storage and display by the computer a signal designating a position on the member.

Claims

1. Apparatus for use in generating signals for inputting into a computer comprising:

a keyboard including;

first means comprising one or more actuatable keys for generating signals corresponding to each key which is actuated;

an extended two dimensional member positioned or positionable such that said extended two dimensional member and at least one or more of said keys are in overlapping relationship, said member capable of generating a signal designating a position on said member;

and said first means generating said signals corresponding to said keys independently of said extended two dimensional member.

2. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

said member comprises a grid of wires.

3. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

said member is positioned or positionable below said keys.

4. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a writing surface disposed above said keys and positionable in overlapping relationship to said at least one or more keys.

5. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

said member is disposed above said keys and is positionable in overlapping relationship to said at least one or more keys.

6. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

said member is capable of coupling electromagnetic energy to and from said member.

7. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein

said member comprises a grid of wires.

8. Apparatus in accordance with claim 6 wherein:

said member is positioned below said at least one or more keys and such that it is capable of coupling electromagnetic energy to and from said member from positions proximate and above said keys.

9. Apparatus in accordance with claim 8 further comprising:

a further member having a coil therein for generating an electromagnetic field, said further member being positionable above and in proximate relationship to said at least one or more keys for coupling an electromagnetic field to said member for designating said position on said member.

10. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 wherein:

said keyboard further comprises means for converting said signal to an input signal for entry into said computer.

11. Apparatus in accordance with claim 10 wherein:

said computer has a storage and a display for storing said input signal and displaying the designated position indicated by said input signal.

12. Apparatus in accordance with claim 1 further comprising:

a further member for placement in proximate relationship to said member at said designated position for causing said member to generate said signal.